en-us https://www.intensedebate.com/users/762895 Comments by giaquinto23 https://www.racerelationsproject.org/2010/04/south-park-off-the-hook__trashed/#IDComment71520767 These Muslim radicals who are making threats need to take a step back and realize how stupid they look. This cartoon that they are getting all worked up over makes fun of every possible thing someone can make fun of. Jesus and God are made fun of all the time in that show and you don't see Christians threatening the South Park creators. It pisses me off when people find the smallest things to complain about because there are bigger problems in this world. So quit being little bitches about it and get over the fact that not everyone takes life as seriously as you do. Fri, 30 Apr 2010 17:41:25 +0000 https://www.racerelationsproject.org/2010/04/south-park-off-the-hook__trashed/#IDComment71520767 https://www.racerelationsproject.org/2010/04/what-about-people-who-can-only-afford-hard-work__trashed/#IDComment71519947 The best way I can answer this question is that life isn't fair. I now that's a harsh way to put it but it's the reality. We can't have people coming into our country illegally because it fucks with out jobs and our economy. So I think that immigrants need to come in legally and try their hardest to get in. If they can't then they just have to work with what they have. Our government can't make everyone happy, but right now, they aren't making anyone happy. They have to do something because as of now they are stuck in the middle and it's causing a lot of problems. Fri, 30 Apr 2010 17:34:53 +0000 https://www.racerelationsproject.org/2010/04/what-about-people-who-can-only-afford-hard-work__trashed/#IDComment71519947 https://www.racerelationsproject.org/2010/04/stories-for-uplift__trashed/#IDComment71518863 I love watching and hearing stories like these two. I'd like to talk about the first video first, then I will get into the second video. This guy, Dan, has more kindness in him than most people could ever dream of having. What he did was genuine, to say the least. It would be considered a truly good deed if a person gave their kidney to a family member or a best friend. However, Dan took it to a whole different level. This lady that he says he "knew" for twelve years was a cashier at his local grocery store. He saw her maybe once a week for probably about five minutes and that was it. The extent of their conversations were probably asking each other how they were doing and then how much his total was for that given day. She didn't even know who his kids were. Yet, when he found out about her problem it doesn't even seem like he hesitated. He just thought, this lady needs a kidney and I have an extra one. In a world that seems to be struggling; seeing people like this really gives us all hope. Helping people out is contagious and it really makes people feel good about themselves. If everyone would just realize this, people would stop striving for wealth and start trying to go after something better then money or power. If everybody's goal in life was to try and help people out, we wouldn't have things like slavery, racism, or murder. People wouldn't fuck their associates over just to make a quick buck. I think we can all learn something from Dan when it comes to trying to be a good person. Watching the second video, it really brought the inner kid out of me. I remember the days when life was care free and the most important things on your mind was playing with your friends or your first crush. Now it's not failing classes and how am I going to pay for this or that. I wish I could go back to those days just so I could enjoy that feeling again. The kid in this video can bring a smile to your face no matter how bad of a day you are having. At the end, when the girl says that she is his girlfriend, his face is priceless. He doesn't care about race or ethnicity. Those are the last things on his mind. And to answer the last question in that video; it's good to think that we could. However, our world is a long way from being able to accomplish that task. Fri, 30 Apr 2010 17:25:39 +0000 https://www.racerelationsproject.org/2010/04/stories-for-uplift__trashed/#IDComment71518863 https://www.racerelationsproject.org/2010/04/what-about-people-who-can-only-afford-hard-work__trashed/#IDComment70008417 This question is the exact question that our government is struggling with. Morally, I believe that everybody deserves to have the best life possible. But at the same time, we can't just completely open our borders and let everyone that wants to come into our country come in. I do believe that if people work hard enough they should be allowed in but at the same time life isn't always fair. I honestly don't have an answer that would satisfy both sides. Fri, 23 Apr 2010 22:05:35 +0000 https://www.racerelationsproject.org/2010/04/what-about-people-who-can-only-afford-hard-work__trashed/#IDComment70008417 https://www.racerelationsproject.org/2010/04/south-park-off-the-hook__trashed/#IDComment70007015 South Park is a great show. However, any arguments about it that occur in the real world are just ridiculous. It's a cartoon and all of the characters are made by paper cutouts. I saw the episode that she's talking about and it's all about how they don't make fun of Muhammad. They blackout his character the entire episode. I really don't get why this is such a big deal. On top of that, in that episode they made fun of jesus and about a hundred celebrities. There are definitely better things to argue about than a south park episode. Fri, 23 Apr 2010 21:56:00 +0000 https://www.racerelationsproject.org/2010/04/south-park-off-the-hook__trashed/#IDComment70007015 https://www.racerelationsproject.org/2010/04/the-tyranny-of-radical-muslims__trashed/#IDComment68409530 I think that everyone needs to see this video because a lot of people are ignorant to the fact that Osama does not represent the entire muslim population. The amount of racial profiling that goes on in our country is pathetic. I feel for the people who have to go through that every single day. It's obvious that Bin Laden doesn't give a shit about his faith because if he did, he wouldn't put his fellow brothers and sisters in that kind of light. Fri, 16 Apr 2010 18:39:26 +0000 https://www.racerelationsproject.org/2010/04/the-tyranny-of-radical-muslims__trashed/#IDComment68409530 https://www.racerelationsproject.org/2010/04/i-really-want-to-know-also__trashed/#IDComment66861273 I think this class has gotten me to think about the topics at hand. It may not have changed all of my opinions, but it at least got me to think about everything and that what Sam has been trying to do all along. Because if we could get everyone to think about all of these topics then maybe it would get ignorant people to change their opinions and do something about all of the bad in the world. Sam isn't trying change our opinions he's just trying to get us to realize what our opinions are. Fri, 9 Apr 2010 19:42:59 +0000 https://www.racerelationsproject.org/2010/04/i-really-want-to-know-also__trashed/#IDComment66861273 https://www.racerelationsproject.org/2010/02/whats-with-the-theme-parties__trashed/#IDComment59814251 I don't really see where your coming from. The theme parties that I have been too are highlighter parties, jersey shore parties, stop light parties, and an 80's party. I don't even think I 've heard of a theme party geared towards a racist topic. People just throw theme parties to mix it up a little so the party isn't the same every time. I don't know, maybe that's just me but I don't think theme parties make fun of a specific race. Fri, 5 Mar 2010 00:44:08 +0000 https://www.racerelationsproject.org/2010/02/whats-with-the-theme-parties__trashed/#IDComment59814251 https://www.racerelationsproject.org/2010/02/a-long-long-way-indeed__trashed/#IDComment59813725 I love thinking about this topic. It would be funny to see a slave owner in our society. He would probably learn pretty quickly that things have changed. Not even by watching tv but just by walking down a street. He would also probably get the shit kicked out of him if he met the wrong people. I'm glad you asked that question so I know I'm not the only one thinking about that. Fri, 5 Mar 2010 00:39:16 +0000 https://www.racerelationsproject.org/2010/02/a-long-long-way-indeed__trashed/#IDComment59813725 https://www.racerelationsproject.org/2010/02/why-is-this-racist-really__trashed/#IDComment59813265 The fact that this guy made a league and said only white players can play is racist. I have no problem with the fact that this guy wants to create a league where the 'old school' style of ball is played, but the way he is going about it is just causing commotion and arguments are breaking out. There are much better ways to handle the situation and this guy is not doing it. I don't get why he doesn't want to allow black and brown people to play in his league. Rather than banning them from it, he should just set rules in place to prohibit what ever he doesn't want to occur. For example, he could put a rule in that doesn't allow dunking. Or he could make a rule that prohibits fast breaks. This way, he can guide the game to be played in the manner that he wants with out causing controversy. The one line he says is, "It's not racist...it's entertainment". What does that even mean? The league can't be entertaining if the league is multi-racial? Because that just doesn't make sense. Then, if you look at the statement that we were given it just digs his hole even deeper. Making remarks like, "asking to restore on court sanity to the game of basketball". What I get from this comment is that you can't have a subtle game a basketball if there are black and brown people on the court. Which just doesn't make any sense. I agree with him that the NBA has drifted from the old school style of play and I would love to see it come back, but making rules like an all white league is not the answer. It's not the players who have ruined the game, it's the over all league. It's all about the money and the league wants to see superstars making sick dunks while half-assed defense allows them to just drive down the lane. And although I don't like the NBA style play, I would love to see the athleticism that these guys have be played in the old school game. Banning players from the league is not the way to go. Because what you get is the scrubs who couldn't play top notch basketball joining the league. In my opinion, the idea of this league sounds good, but the way this guy is going about it is totally wrong. Fri, 5 Mar 2010 00:33:49 +0000 https://www.racerelationsproject.org/2010/02/why-is-this-racist-really__trashed/#IDComment59813265 https://www.racerelationsproject.org/2010/02/native-americans-question-four__trashed/#IDComment58694047 I think the biggest thing we can do to begin the process is educate people. If everyone saw the video clip we saw in class, I think people might get the hint that these people need help. Like I said in my other response, before this class, I didn't know things were even close to being that bad. There is a long way to go when it comes to helping the Native Americans but education would be a big first step. Thu, 25 Feb 2010 20:27:58 +0000 https://www.racerelationsproject.org/2010/02/native-americans-question-four__trashed/#IDComment58694047 https://www.racerelationsproject.org/2010/02/native-americans-question-two__trashed/#IDComment58693397 I feel like your taking Sam's remarks too literally. He isn't saying that is was personally our fault for how the Native Americans are living the way they are. However, you do live in this country and therefore the problems that this country faces, you also face. Think of it this way. If someone was shot, and they are laying on the ground bleeding out. If you see them suffering and you don't do anything to help, then you were wrong in what you did. Helping the ones who are down is part of what the United States stands for. So don't go saying that you aren't to blame, or this issue doesn't affect you. Just put yourself in their situation. Wouldn't you want someone to help you? Thu, 25 Feb 2010 20:22:08 +0000 https://www.racerelationsproject.org/2010/02/native-americans-question-two__trashed/#IDComment58693397 https://www.racerelationsproject.org/2010/02/native-americans-question-three__trashed/#IDComment58692004 After being in that class and listening to the lecture, I have a hard time believing that it didn't affect people. I think the problem is that people, including myself, just don't know what we can do. To be honest, I knew that the majority of Native Americans were on the poorer side, but I didn't know it was this bad. So the question shouldn't be, "why don't people in this class care", because I'm sure they do. It should be, Why is our government allowing this to happen? I know it may be harsh to say, but back when Europe was coming into what we now call the United States, I can see why they did what they did to the Native Americans. I'm not saying I agree with what they did, but it was different times. Survival of the fittest played a much larger role in governments than it does today. They discovered new land, and when they found people living on it, they fought to take it over. It was just the way things were back then. We can't go back and change the past, but why not try to change something that is wrong in our country today? We have news reporters go into towns like Pine Ridge, South Dakota and report the tragedies that are occurring there, yet that's the furthest they go with it. They make a story, for what? Their ratings for that week. How can our government see things happen like this, and just let it continue? I know our ancestors just pushed the Native Americans out of their way, but we are living in different times. And I know our country always comes through and is able to raise money when disasters happen around the world. Why can't we help the very people living within our borders? And now, with our economy the way it is. It would be even harder to get the government to do something because everyone is concerned with their own well-being. People are getting laid off left and right and our government is having a hard enough time fixing that problem. If someone walked into congress and said that we need to give aid to the Native Americans, they would probably laugh. It's just a shame that our country, since WWII has been portrayed as this perfect and superior place. When behind all the main stream bullshit, if you look closely, things are happening that really hinders the American reputation. Thu, 25 Feb 2010 20:09:21 +0000 https://www.racerelationsproject.org/2010/02/native-americans-question-three__trashed/#IDComment58692004 https://www.racerelationsproject.org/2010/02/lgbt-class-question-six__trashed/#IDComment57371073 First of all, I would like to just point out that this is my own personal opinion. Me being a guy, I feel that I accept lesbians more easily than gay men. I'm not homophobic or anything like that, but I'm not going to lie and say that I don't notice when two guys are holding hands as they walk by me. I tend to see things for what they are and I can comprehend the fact that people are gay and straight. I'm not very religious so the whole religious aspect doesn't come into play. I think, for me at least, its the whole sexual attraction thing. I mean I don't have sexual feelings for men so I can't expect myself to see on the level that gay men do. I do however, know what it feels like to be attracted to a woman so I don't see the big deal that other women feel the same way I do. I also think it has to do with the classic view of a man. Men are suppose to be (in societies eyes) strong, dominant, and masculine. You can think of Chuck Norris if that helps. And unfortunately, society has painted the picture that gay men are not that. Also, in my personal experiences, I have seen girls making out with girls on multiple occasions even if they were straight. Never, have I seen two of my straight male friends hook up "just for fun". So I think I just accept that girls do it more easily. Now I get that being gay or a lesbian is not a choice. That's why I think gays and lesbians should be allowed to get married. People are unique and we all have our own likes and dislikes. The saying "love is blind" totally sums it up. No one can force themselves to be attracted to someone. You either are or aren't attracted to them. Thu, 18 Feb 2010 01:11:48 +0000 https://www.racerelationsproject.org/2010/02/lgbt-class-question-six__trashed/#IDComment57371073 https://www.racerelationsproject.org/2010/02/lgbt-class-question-two__trashed/#IDComment57366707 I mean, you definitely draw the line with sexual attraction. It's either there or it isn't. I love all my male friends, but like brothers. To have a relationship, people say it isn't all about sex and attraction. That may be true, but it still has to be present to a certain extent. Because if it isn't, than all you have is a friendship. Say two guys or girls love each other to the point where they decide to get married (or civil union), but they aren't physically attracted to each other and they don't have sex. The only difference between them and two friends of the same sex is the label. Thu, 18 Feb 2010 00:31:55 +0000 https://www.racerelationsproject.org/2010/02/lgbt-class-question-two__trashed/#IDComment57366707 https://www.racerelationsproject.org/2010/02/lgbt-class-question-one__trashed/#IDComment57365646 I don't really see a difference. Sam brought up a good point about gays and lesbians really having to want a child to have one. I'm sure the child would have the same (if not even a little better) childhood than the average kid. As for the difference between the two, I feel like its the same. The child has most of his social interactions with other kids. As long as they have loving parents, it doesn't really matter what sex they are. People may think that it's harder on the child if his or her parents are gay but I feel like it would be a lot harder if they found out their mom or dad was gay later on in the child's life rather than just having two moms or two dads to begin with. Thu, 18 Feb 2010 00:22:21 +0000 https://www.racerelationsproject.org/2010/02/lgbt-class-question-one__trashed/#IDComment57365646 https://www.racerelationsproject.org/2010/02/animals-vs-humans-vs-welfare-cheats__trashed/#IDComment56555224 What an idiot. This guy should have been fired on the spot. I'm almost at a loss of words after reading his statement. The fact that he says he was told that at a young age and he still lives by that proves that he shouldn't be in any position of power what so ever. His comment makes him sound like he comes from the royal class in the old French Monarchy during the time of Louis XVI. How could you ever refer to a group of people as animals. Actually, its not even the fact that he said it. Why is he even thinking like that? Like he is so much better than people who live in poverty. When in reality, people who live in poverty work ten times harder every day than he has every worked just to stay alive. Why doesn't he give up everything, and try to live like they do for one month and then see if he feels the same way. Fri, 12 Feb 2010 22:21:58 +0000 https://www.racerelationsproject.org/2010/02/animals-vs-humans-vs-welfare-cheats__trashed/#IDComment56555224 https://www.racerelationsproject.org/2010/02/all-that-is-solid-melts-into-air-including-our-words__trashed/#IDComment56551649 I do feel for the cultures that have been lost through time. A way of life, that was so important to many, is just a glitch in the radar to others. The diversity of the world is what makes this place so special. Imagine a world where the culture was the same everywhere and everyone spoke the same language. What a boring world that would be. Unfortunately, that is the path our world is taking. Not anytime soon, but far into the future, if we stay on this same road, that world may just become a reality. Unique cultures will be long forgotten. I could never live in a world like that. I don't know though, maybe that's just me. But watching this video, painted that picture in my head and it was a scary thought. We need to appreciate all cultures, because no matter how small, they still played a part in getting us where we are today. Fri, 12 Feb 2010 22:01:49 +0000 https://www.racerelationsproject.org/2010/02/all-that-is-solid-melts-into-air-including-our-words__trashed/#IDComment56551649 https://www.racerelationsproject.org/2010/02/why-is-the-conversation-always-about-black-and-white-people__trashed/#IDComment56549745 I totally agree with Laurie and what she said. It always comes down to black and white because when the civil rights movement occurred, blacks were at the center of the stage. I know that slavery was where it all began, but that was way too long ago to be the main reason why it comes back to black and white. The civil rights movement occurred because even though slavery was abolished, blacks were still being treated unfairly. Even today, racism is still a problem in the U.S. but it is just not as publicized. We try and do certain things to abolish racism, when in reality, it just brings it out more. A perfect example is the Affirmative Action program. This policy was issued to try to help minorities when it comes to employment, education, along with other things. I know this policy was made to try and help ,but in my eyes, it shows that the government believes that minorities aren't equal, and that they need help. Now I'm not bashing this program or saying that it shouldn't exist. But if we want to be a country that can truly say that there are no stereotypes or racism, then we need to get to the point where we don't need programs like this. When filling out a job application or a college application, there shouldn't be a section that asks if you are white, black, Hispanic, or any other ethnicity because it shouldn't matter at all when people decide whether or not to accept you. I know we've come a long way since the 50's and 60's, but there is still a lot more that needs to happen. There are still times when a person is arrested just because of their skin color, and there are still people who are denied from a job because of their skin color. We like to publicize that we are better than before, but the problem still exists. As for the programs we have established recently, they are good to jump start the process but I feel that if we keep them in place, then we are just showing minorities pity. And in a way, that's just as bad. Now I am white so I can't speak first handily but that's my opinion. To recap, I think it comes back to black and white because black people rose up more and spoke out more. There has definitely been racism towards other ethnic groups, they just haven't been publicized as much. The final point I'd like to make is that I think our generation is the most important when it comes to changing for the better. The last couple generations lived before, during, or right after the civil rights movement which was definitely and different time than it is today. We are the first generation to grow up knowing what is truly right and believing in equality. So hopefully, in the next 10 to 20 years, our country sees a huge drop in racism. We will know when we get to the point of total equality when people no longer talk about racism or question someone being a racist because it won't be a problem anymore. Fri, 12 Feb 2010 21:44:27 +0000 https://www.racerelationsproject.org/2010/02/why-is-the-conversation-always-about-black-and-white-people__trashed/#IDComment56549745 https://www.racerelationsproject.org/2010/02/avatar-and-the-white-mans-burden__trashed/#IDComment55229256 I totally agree with you. Brooks is looking at this as though James Cameron made the effort to personally give his opinion about the White man's burden. When in reality, the whole point of this movie is entertainment, along with about 90% of all the other movies ever created. If Cameron wanted to make a statement he wouldn't have used blue people in his movie. Also, he wouldn't have floating mountains and people living in a tree. It's a disgrace that Brooks is able to make a living by writing ridiculous articles like this one. Wed, 3 Feb 2010 20:30:05 +0000 https://www.racerelationsproject.org/2010/02/avatar-and-the-white-mans-burden__trashed/#IDComment55229256